"It's a big if," pitching coach Bob Apodaca said. "I just don't know what Dave Veres still possesses. But when he was right, you always had a warm, fuzzy feeling that he wasn't going to walk anybody, that he was going to get a lot of groundballs, and he wasn't going to beat himself." Veres will need to pitch well the next month at Triple-A to get a September call up. Wed, Jul 25, 2007 10:09:00 AM

Veres was expected to throw the second bullpen session of his rehab on Friday and then begin throwing batting practice. He could still achieve the improbable return to the major leagues this season. Sat, Jun 30, 2007 07:07:00 AM

Gerardo Parra underwent surgery on February 9 to remove the hamate bone from his right hand.

Parra said he expects to return around March 8-10, which would be a fairly aggressive timetable. If he is able to make it back by that time, he'll have no problem getting ready in time for Opening Day. Parra currently looks pegged to be the Rockies' right fielder after batting .309/.341/.452 with 10 home runs for them last season. If the veteran outfielder's rehab progresses slower than expected and he needs a disabled list stint, it could potentially open up a job for Raimel Tapia or David Dahl.